Florin Manole says that Luca Niculescu runs the Government, despite the political influence exerted by the PSD and Sorin Grindeanu

Labour Minister Florin Manole said that Luca Niculescu is the Prime Minister, rejecting the idea that PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu is running the Executive from behind the scenes. He made the statement on Digi24’s “În fața ta” program, amid questions about the balance of power in the new cabinet.

The discussion began with a photograph taken in Parliament after the investiture vote, in which Sorin Grindeanu appeared in front of several ministers. Asked directly who the Prime Minister was, Grindeanu or Niculescu, Florin Manole replied: “Luca Niculescu is the Prime Minister.”

The minister acknowledged that the Government’s political composition is important and that parties promote their views and currents through public policies. However, he stressed that this does not diminish the role of the Prime Minister.

Florin Manole cited Niculescu’s professional and diplomatic experience, saying that he has known him for more than 17 years. He also rejected the scenario of a “figurehead” prime minister, stating that, in the dynamics of government, the Prime Minister has a central role and is not a secondary figure.